In recent years, the Legislature and the Department of Management Services (DMS) have given agencies more authority to buy needed items without having to obtain approval from a centralized purchasing unit. This decentralization has generally had positive effects, saving time for agencies and allowing DMS to cut staff and administrative costs.
State purchasing should be further streamlined. The dollar limit at which agencies may buy commodities without having to obtain DMS approval should be raised, and the requirement that agencies obtain approval of agency term contracts, print shop equipment purchases, and waivers of advertising should be eliminated. This would cut paperwork and allow DMS to concentrate its efforts on activities that add the most value to the state, including negotiating statewide contracts and reviewing high-cost purchases.

Progress Report: Management Services Makes Progress by Implementing OPPAGA Recommendations
Report 01-35 August 2001
Follow-Up Report on the Effects of Decentralized Purchasing Authority
Report 97-16 November 1997

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.